January 6, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired left-hander
Justin Bruihl from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations, as announced by both teams. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated right-hander
Zak Kent for assignment. Bruihl has pitched five years in the majors, posting a 4.72 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and a 1.37 WHIP across 89 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old does a solid job of keeping the ball on the ground and has held left-handed hitters to a .224 batting average over his career. Bruihl appears to be a replacement for lefty reliever
John King, who was non-tendered by St. Louis following the 2025 season. Outside of very deep leagues that count holds, Bruihl can safely be left off fantasy radars heading into 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: St. Louis Cardinals X account
January 6, 2026
The Colorado Rockies are expected to pursue veteran starting pitching ahead of the 2026 season, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The club is reportedly looking to add two experienced starters who can provide innings stability. Colorado's rotation struggled mightily in 2025, finishing with a 6.65 ERA, which is one of the worst marks by a starting staff in MLB history. As things currently stand, the Rockies have
Kyle Freeland,
Chase Dollander,
Tanner Gordon,
Ryan Feltner, and
McCade Brown projected as their starting five. Feltner posted the best ERA among that group at 4.75, though he logged just 30 1/3 innings. It is unlikely that Colorado will pursue top-tier free-agent starters such as
Framber Valdez,
Ranger Suarez, or
Zac Gallen. Instead, Darragh McDonald of MLB.com suggests the Rockies could target older veterans like
Wade Miley,
Miles Mikolas,
Alex Cobb,
Jose Quintana,
Patrick Corbin, or
Martin Perez. Unless Colorado changes its usual offseason approach, their rotation is probably best avoided for fantasy in 2026.
--Marty TallmanSource: Thomas Harding
January 6, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent left-hander
Tucker Davidson, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. It is currently unclear whether the contract includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Davidson has spent parts of five seasons in the majors, pitching for the Braves, Angels, and Orioles. The 30-year-old lefty owns a 5.76 career ERA (5.13 SIERA) across 129 2/3 innings. In 2025, he pitched in Korea for the Lotte Giants, where he started 22 games and posted a 3.65 ERA, a 22.5% strikeout rate, 9.1% walk rate, and a 46.4% ground-ball rate. If Davidson earns a spot on the Phillies' roster, he would likely serve as depth out of the bullpen. As such, he is not expected to have any fantasy relevance heading into the 2026 season.
--Marty TallmanSource: Will Sammon
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. After he returned from a hamstring injury on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets, Gordon sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday night versus the Philadelphia 76ers. The team will not want to risk an injury setback and may keep Gordon out of action again on Wednesday.
Peyton Watson and
Zeke Nnaji are in a position to contribute more if Gordon doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's clash against the Boston Celtics. He is dealing with a left ankle sprain, which may sideline Murray for a second consecutive contest. Overall, Murray has shown impressive durability this season, skipping only two games. With Murray out,
Jalen Pickett had an outstanding game in Monday's overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Pickett could make some noise again on Wednesday if he maintains a starting role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Max Strus (foot) will be out for at least another month, the team announced Tuesday. Strus underwent foot surgery on Aug. 26 and was initially expected to resume basketball activities in three to four months. However, the 29-year-old has yet to play this season. It's now clear that Strus will remain out at least until February.
Jaylon Tyson and
Sam Merrill have capitalized on Strus' absence this season, both showing major improvement in their offensive production.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard
Vince Williams Jr. (knee) is returning to the lineup on Tuesday as the Grizzlies face the San Antonio Spurs. Williams has missed the previous eight games with left patellar tendinitis but is off the injury report and set to play. The fourth-year guard has averaged 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 22 games this season, starting in just half of them. With
Ja Morant (calf) ruled out for Tuesday, Williams could have a legitimate role despite likely seeing a minutes restriction. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Morant's status moving forward, as Williams could become a key option for the Grizzlies if Morant ends up missing more time.
--Nathan HarveySource: Memphis Grizzlies
January 6, 2026
Atlanta Hawks point guard
Trae Young (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The four-time All-Star has been out for five games with a right quadriceps contusion. If he returns on Wednesday, it could be one of Young's final games as a Hawk, since he has been heavily linked with a trade in recent days.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and
Vit Krejci have benefited from Young's absence and will continue to have additional fantasy value if he remains out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Morant is set to miss his second straight game with a calf injury, which has already cost him several games earlier this season. The two-time All-Star has gotten off to a slow start to his seventh season, averaging 19.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists. With Morant sitting against the Spurs, expect
Cam Spencer and
Vince Williams Jr. to make an impact in his absence. With the Grizzlies playing back-to-backs, fantasy managers should cross their fingers that Morant didn't suffer a reinjury and is simply managing his health.
--Nathan HarveySource: Memphis Grizzlies
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (shoulder) is considered questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. He may miss a second straight game due to a sore right shoulder. Harden's absence on Monday night versus the Golden State Warriors gave
Kobe Sanders his fourth start of the season, and the 23-year-old rookie had the best outing of his young career. Across 36 minutes, Sanders notched 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, shooting 9-for-16 from the field. If Harden remains out on Wednesday, Sanders will likely remain in the first unit. Meanwhile,
Kawhi Leonard and
Kris Dunn are expected to have larger offensive roles.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee, ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's juicy fantasy matchup against the Washington Wizards. Despite managing knee and ankle injuries, the former MVP has made four consecutive appearances. On Monday night, Embiid logged 40 minutes in an overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, and it looks like he may take some time off to rest on Wednesday. If needed,
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond will help fill the void left by Embiid's absence. It's an excellent opportunity for the Sixers' centers to post big numbers, as Washington has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing fives this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have requested permission to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde for their vacant head-coaching job, a source told Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns have also requested permission to interview Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken for the position, among others. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has called the plays on defense, but Durde has done a fine job as the D coordinator in Seattle the last two seasons. The Browns are looking to replace Kevin Stefanski, who they fired from the head-coaching gig on Monday. Durde started his NFL coaching career as an intern with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 and also coached with Atlanta and Dallas. He's probably a long shot to win the Browns' job.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Gabe Vincent (back) will remain out on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Earlier in the day, the team downgraded Vincent from questionable to doubtful, and he has now been ruled out, marking his ninth consecutive absence. Speaking at his pregame press conference, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that he expects Vincent to be available for the second leg of a back-to-back on Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs. With Vincent out of the rotation,
Nick Smith Jr. and
Dalton Knecht have seen increased minutes, though neither has emerged as a reliable fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is expected to emerge as a favorite to become the next head coach for the New York Giants, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. After being fired by the Ravens on Tuesday after 18 years with the organization, Harbaugh is expected to be pursued by many teams around the league who are searching for a new head coach. Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski could be Harbaugh's primary competition for the head-coaching gig in the Big Apple. In his 18 years in Baltimore, Harbaugh went 180-113 in the regular season while going 13-11 in the playoffs with a Super Bowl championship. The 64-year-old would be an intriguing fit for a New York Giants team that already has some strong offensive weapons in place with quarterback
Jaxson Dart, receiver
Malik Nabers, and running back
Cam Skattebo.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 6, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Herbert Jones (ankle) will end a seven-game absence on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He makes a timely return, with
Saddiq Bey (hip) out for a third consecutive game. Jones has posted 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across 28.0 minutes this season. His scoring has declined from previous years due to lower shooting efficiency. Jones' return will affect
Karlo Matkovic's role in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward
Dean Wade (knee) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. Wade is set to return after missing two consecutive contests due to a left knee contusion. The 29-year-old is averaging 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists during 24.0 minutes per appearance. With Wade back in the mix, 25-year-old Nae'Qwan Tomiln's role will likely be reduced during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals have requested to interview New England Patriots passing-game coordinator Thomas Brown for their head-coaching job, a source told Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. Brown has been a big part of New England's turnaround in 2025, and he has play-calling and head-coaching experience while learning from two of the best in Sean McVay and Mike Vrabel. The Cardinals so far have mostly been targeting defensive-minded head-coaching candidates as they look for a replacement for Jonathan Gannon. The 39-year-old first started as a running backs coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, and he stayed with the team for three seasons. Brown also worked as the Panthers' offensive coordinator in 2023 before being the Bears' pass-game coordinator, offensive coordinator, and interim head coach in 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Whittington suffered a knee injury in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was reportedly set for an MRI exam early this week. It suggests that the 25-year-old's knee injury could be serious enough to sideline him from the Wild-Card playoff matchup on Saturday versus the Carolina Panthers. The good news is that the Rams have veteran Pro Bowl wideout
Davante Adams (hamstring) fully expected to return this weekend for the start of the postseason. Even when active, Whittington isn't a realistic fantasy WR. He had a total of just 18 catches during the regular season for 171 yards and no touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Jaylon Tyson (illness) will play on Tuesday versus the Indiana Pacers. Tyson was listed as questionable due to an illness, but he has upgraded to active for tonight's matchup. The 23-year-old posted a total of just nine points in his last two outings. However, with
Donovan Mitchell (rest) getting the evening off, Tyson should see plenty of extra minutes and scoring opportunities with the team's second unit, with
Dean Wade likely to start.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards (foot) will play on Tuesday night against the Miami Heat. While he was added to the injury report in the afternoon, Edwards has been upgraded from questionable to available ahead of tip-off. The Timberwolves star has put up 30 points in three consecutive appearances, including 33 against the Heat last week on the road. In that contest, Edwards had a busy night at the line with an 11-for-14 effort and shot 10-for-19 from the field.
--Taavi PailkSource: Minnesota Timberwolves PR
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Tyler Higbee (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on the team's estimated injury report on Tuesday, per Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Higbee is managing an ankle injury that caused him to miss six regular-season contests. The 33-year-old veteran came off Injured Reserve to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, though, and he played 64% of the snaps on his way to catching five of his six targets for 91 yards and a touchdown in his first game back. Higbee should be fine to suit up for the Wild-Card playoff game on the road against the Carolina Panthers after not suffering a setback with his ankle injury. The Rams also have
Colby Parkinson and rookie
Terrance Ferguson (hamstring), and they are expected to get receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) back after a three-game absence. View Higbee as a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE1 in fantasy this weekend.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
January 6, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (knee) will come off the bench and have a minutes restriction on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN's Michael C. Wright reports. Due to a knee injury, Wembanyama has missed two games and was initially listed as questionable for the meeting with Memphis. Last month, when Wembanyama returned from a calf injury, he also had a bench role for a while, averaging 18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 21.7 minutes as a reserve.
Luke Kornet and
Kelly Olynyk will be less involved in the rotation with Wembanyama back.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael C. Wright
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop. Ferguson injured his hamstring in practice last Friday and was held out of the Week 18 win over the Arizona Cardinals as a precaution. It's not a great sign that the 22-year-old isn't practicing to begin the week, but he still has a few more days to get back on the practice field. Head coach Sean McVay said he expects Ferguson to return on Saturday for the Wild-Card playoff matchup against the hosting Carolina Panthers. Ferguson took on a bigger role in L.A.'s offense right before his injury, but with
Tyler Higbee now back in the fold, it's going to be harder for the rookie TE to make noise in fantasy in the postseason. He finished his first year in the NFL with only 11 catches on 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
January 6, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (illness) is set to suit up against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. The Cavaliers' big man sat out Sunday's loss to the Detroit Pistons due to an illness, but he has been cleared to play this evening. The team has already ruled out
Donovan Mitchell (rest), but forward
Jaylon Tyson (illness) is good to go. Allen should slide into his starting frontcourt spot next to
Evan Mobley for tonight's tilt. The 27-year-old is averaging 13.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, two assists, and 1.8 steals in about 25 minutes of playing time per contest this campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 6, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) was listed as a limited participant for Tuesday's practice session, according to NFL.com's Jason B. Hirschhorn. Wicks suffered a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and was held out of the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The fact that the 24-year-old is practicing at all is a good sign, and he could be on pace to clear the league's concussion protocol by later this week and be active for the Wild-Card playoff tilt against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Saturday evening. If Wicks plays this weekend, he'll be a volatile and risky WR4/flex play for those in playoff fantasy leagues. Wicks only caught a career-low 30 passes for 332 yards and two scores on 46 targets in 14 regular-season games. The vast majority of his fantasy production came on Thanksgiving against the Lions, when he went for 94 receiving yards and two touchdowns on six receptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Jason B. Hirschhorn
January 6, 2026
Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver
Matthew Golden (Achilles) should be good to go for Wild-Card weekend against the division-rival Chicago Bears this Saturday night after being listed as a full participant at Tuesday's practice. Golden played all of the team's offensive snaps in the Week 18 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, with the Packers resting some of their regulars, but the 22-year-old still wasn't able to capitalize with
Clayton Tune running the offense. Golden caught one of his three targets for only eight yards to close out what was a disappointing first year in the NFL. The Texas product was a popular rookie breakout candidate in the preseason, but he ended up with only 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns in 2025. Green Bay's receiving corps is pretty healthy heading into the playoffs, making Golden pretty hard to trust in fantasy lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com - Jason B. Hirschhorn
January 6, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Davante Adams (hamstring) was listed as a full-go on the team's estimated injury report on Tuesday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Adams was held out of the final three regular-season games as a way to ensure that he'd be closer to 100% for a postseason run. The 33-year-old should be active for Saturday's Wild-Card matchup against the hosting Carolina Panthers, and he shouldn't have any restrictions in terms of workload. Despite missing time going into the playoffs, the Pro Bowl pass-catcher should be viewed as a top-five fantasy receiver in playoff leagues. Adams finished the 2025 campaign with a league-high 14 touchdown receptions despite missing the final three games, and he added a healthy 60 receptions for 789 yards in his 14 games. Adams is quarterback
Matthew Stafford's No. 1 target in the red zone.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
January 6, 2026
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current NBC analyst Jason Garrett will interview for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching job on Friday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It's a surprise name, as Garrett hasn't coached in the NFL since the 2021 season, when he was the New York Giants' offensive coordinator. However, he does have plenty of head-coaching experience after a run of over nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. The Titans have also reportedly been interested in former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, who was out of the league in 2025. After firing head coach Brian Callahan during the season, general manager Mike Borgonzi is leading the search for a new head coach. Tennessee finished 3-14 and last in the NFC South in 2025 with rookie first overall pick
Cameron Ward struggling in his first year as the starting QB.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 6, 2026
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (ankle) is unavailable for Monday's clash with Dallas and will miss at least three weeks due to a sprained left ankle. Murray sustained the injury during a 115-98 loss to the Bucks on Sunday. The 25-year-old could be out of action until late January or early February. While Murray is on the shelf, the Kings may have to turn to
Precious Achiuwa to take on extra minutes. However, Achiuwa has struggled recently, scoring fewer than 5 points in 4 of the last five games.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Marc Stein
January 6, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (lower body) won't be in the lineup on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. The 30-year-old re-aggravated a lower-body injury during the morning skate. Marchment has been a great fit in Columbus since being acquired from the Seattle Kraken, logging seven points (five goals, two assists) in as many games. Fortunately for the Blue Jackets, Sean Monahan (undisclosed) will return to the lineup, helping to compensate for the loss of Marchment. It's a favorable fantasy matchup for Columbus' frontline, as San Jose allows the second-most goals in the league (3.54).
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Miller
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